Slendy Yuliana Jurado Florez

23 Boardman St
Cambridge, MA 02139
slendy2171654@correo.uis.edu.co

May 29, 2023

CU Denver
Lawrence Street Center
Denver, CO 80204

Dear Master of Arts in STEM education, science faculty

I am an international applicant to the STEM science master's program. I was born and raised in
Colombia; my parents educated me in values that have represented me and allowed me to
achieve my goals throughout my life; thanks to this, I was the first person in my family to
graduate from university, which makes me very proud and motivates me to continue
transforming my future. Therefore, my motivation to study for a Master's degree abroad stems
from my desire to continue building my personal development and professional growth. In light
of this, applying to the master's program at the University of Colorado Denver is a unique and
invaluable opportunity that will allow me to achieve my dreams of being a leading teacher in
science research and teaching.

My experience as a researcher in science education makes me a good fit for the program. During
my undergraduate studies, I was a cross-disciplinary researcher for an environmental project that
integrated science, technology, and society. And I was also a researcher for my graduate thesis
that focused on teaching biology and chemistry through medicinal plants in a Colombian rural
education context. Both projects had excellent results at the institutional level; one was presented
at an education conference. These two experiences have prepared me excellently as a science
teacher-researcher and motivated me to continue critically exploring science education.

On the other hand, my work experience as a teacher has been enriching for the past three years.
As a primary school teacher in Colombia, I learned much about curriculum planning, time
management, and family integration in teaching and learning. Furthermore, to expand my
education and gain new skills, two years ago, I started an au pair exchange program in Boston
that has allowed me to improve my English skills as my second language and learn strategies to
manage different behaviors in Early Childhood.
In addition, I have volunteered in two programs. One in religious education has allowed me to be
a part of a Latino community, and the other as a STEAM education mentor, art and science in
one, for the Cambridge Schools volunteer program has allowed me to get closer to the North
American education model.

My academic career and my professional development have made me what I am as a teacher, but
this would not have been possible without the values that have forged me as a human being.
Perseverance, tenacity, and responsibility are the three fundamental values that have
accompanied me throughout my life. I understand a person's growth as a set of skills and values
that make us grow as human beings and as ethical professionals. As a personal experience,
leaving home to grow as a person and professional is a brave decision that has forged me to
continue working hard to pursue my dreams.
As I study and experience life, my basic principles have kept me on my feet, helped me
overcome obstacles, and guided me toward achieving my goals by working hard and sacrificing.

In terms of my learning objectives, I aspire to deepen my knowledge in science education, as

well as to learn the latest theories in experimental science and broaden my knowledge in
pedagogy. I would also like to approach the critical exploration of scientific knowledge from an
epistemological approach that allows me to ask questions about the strengths and weaknesses of
science research teaching and learning. Therefore, with this new knowledge, I want to be a leader
in the field of education, able to address educational challenges and develop action research
projects hand in hand with students. In addition, I want to continue my research in the field of
science education oriented towards critical thinking and thus develop action research projects
with students that enable them to learn science meaningfully.

Taking part in the master's program in STEM science has several benefits. The opportunity to
tailor the program makes it unique and original since it will enable me to expand my learning
and have comprehensive teacher training. My focus would not just be on science teaching,
curriculum, and teaching challenges but also on choosing from a wide range of current education
topics that would match my career and interests, and needs. Further, the educational philosophy
of the program appeals to me. Focusing on students' ideas, creating equitable learning
environments, and providing quality education meet all my interests as a teacher. Most
importantly, the program's high quality and the faculty recognized for outstanding abilities make
it a worthy choice.

My curiosity to continue learning about science processes shapes my professional plans as a

teacher. Primarily, I plan to focus my career on leadership and developing research projects that
enable learning and critical exploration of science. Secondly, I want to work hand in hand with
students to build science in the classroom, integrating technology and engineering to contribute
to the development of science and nature. I also want to conceptualize myself in the different
theories of STEM teaching, expand my methodological and strategic knowledge to teach with
quality, and thus gain experience and acquire the necessary skills to achieve publications in
educational journals.

I am applying to the master's program in STEM science. My previous research experience,

passion for science teaching, and personal qualities have prepared me for the program's
expectations. I aim to engage in research, deepen my knowledge of science education, and
contribute to developing curricular approaches that make science education accessible and
equitable. Lastly, I can contribute to the program through research, skills, and background
knowledge. UC Denver offers excellent opportunities for these endeavors.